The HKDL Source

Update for June 11 to June 18 - News and Commentary

 

Skip To: Current Closures/Refurbishments |  Events & Important Dates | Current Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours/Schedule/Annual Pass Blockout Days

 

Well, we missed a column last week and there were floods of emails and hunger strikes around the world. In fact, we are told that Paris Hilton is not eating at the moment. Truth be told, we did have at least one email from someone identifying themselves as “Low” which simply asked: “Why is there no ‘This Week in Hong Kong Disneyland’ for this week?”. Long story short, dear readers, is that there was simply not enough news to cover a column for last week. Indeed, since last Monday, we’ve had a fair but more news, some of it official and some of it from other sources. Plus, we’ve been busy tidying up the ‘back room stuff’ on the site. More on that later. Besides, when did we ever claim “This Week” implied “Weekly”? Other than me referring to it as a ‘weekly column’. Ok, I’ve now blown my whole defence. To think, I have a law degree! At any rate, it is a public holiday today in Australia – except over in Tom’s Western Australia, because they were spoiled with a public holiday last week – so we really have no excuses for not posting a column today.

 

Remembering the good kind of SAR

 

Not to denigrate anyone’s system of government, but do you think it ever gets confusing when your Special Administrative Region has an almost identical acronym to the severe acute respiratory syndrome that swept through the same part of the world in late 2002? At any rate, while it has already been 5 years since that occurred, it has been 10 years since Britain transferred sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China. The city is celebrating in a big way, as is evidenced by the hyper-advertising campaign on the Government Website, events around the city and other campaigns. Naturally, if there is a party going on in town, Hong Kong Disneyland is going to have a part in it.

 

Late last week, Hong Kong Disneyland officially announced that they would be taking part in the celebrations, something we have already known about for some time. They have already begun to hang new buntings up along the Promenade to celebrate the forthcoming event, and as regular readers will know, Disney has been offering Complimentary Deluxe Annual Passes for all children born in 1997. This campaign, clearly aimed at getting all those parents and other family members to spend the money and come along with their ten-year-olds, will involve some yet-to-be announced activities in and around the park. What we do know is that there will be merchandise. There will be 500 Limited Edition Pin Sets made available from June 29, as well as buttons given out to anybody who visits the park on July 1. Disney are already taking steps to avoid congestion on this day – like the kind that was seen back in the 2006 Chinese New Year celebrations – by allowing guests to pre-register their tickets for the day online. This is why we love Hong Kong Disneyland – one day they are complaining it’s too quiet, the next they are preparing for an onslaught of humans. Ah, Hong Kong.

 

 

The media also reported over the weekend that a city-wide parade and ceremony will also take place on July 1, something that Hong Kong Disneyland will be a part of. The People's Daily Online reports that 10 children born on the day will join together to presented a layered birthday cake courtesy of Hong Kong Disneyland. HKDL Source has a birthday a mere two weeks after that - do you think there will be any money left in the cake fund?

 

Naturally, the HKDL Source will be covering the events and will bring you more information as it comes to hand. For now, please enjoy the freshly-created (thanks Alex!) 10th Anniversary of the HKSAR Gallery. Presently, it contains a number of official photos, but we hope to have more by the end of the week. If you have any of your own, please send them to us! At any rate, if you are in the park this week in Hong Kong Disneyland, you should be able to spot some of these decorations already up.

 

Pirates on the horizon?

 

Renewed speculation on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride happened this week, with Screamscape suggesting that ground could break for construction as early as 2009, with the ride possibly debuting in 2011. They also suggest that a Downtown Disney area is in the works, which might be located along the Promenade. The operative words there are could and might. As long-time readers and Hong Kong Disneyland observers will know, these are two persistent rumours we have discussed at great length here at the Source. With Disney remaining characteristically tight-lipped about possible future attractions, this sort of speculation is bound to happen. However, the persistence and the consistency of these two rumours may give fans cause for hope. In almost every instance we have read a ‘source’ confirming the oncoming Pirates, they have speculated a 2009 construction date for a 2011/2012 opening. This may just be the wishful thinking on the part of interested groups such as ourselves, and the rumours being self-perpetuating (that is, the more it is heard, the more plausible it becomes). That said, various reliable sources – in the sense that their ‘insider information’ is more often right than wrong – such as MiceAge’s Al Lutz, have spoken of seeing plans for a Pirates Land with eponymous attraction and the addition of Haunted Mansion in the past. Given the phenomenal success of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, and the clearly struggling Hong Kong park in desperate need of a major new attraction, one has to assume that the idea of adding these rides has been on the agenda for some time now. We just hope that this renewed speculation and rumour frenzy are indications that the park is fast-tracking this famous attraction, found in every other version of the park, for the near future. With the Hong Kong SAR government recently, and quite publicly, making it known that they weren’t happy with the performance of the park and withdrawing funding from future expansion, the bill will seemingly have to be footed by Disney. We guess the real question that remains is whether Disney sees the value in investing further capital into what many already consider to be a sinking ship.

 

Speaking of Pirates, we’ve also updated our Pirates Takeover Gallery to include some photos of children enjoying the Pirate related activities in the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. These come to us courtesy of our Chief Spy.

 

It’s a Fabricated World, after all

 

Something that we know is definitely going ahead is the it’s a small world attraction, said to be opening in April 2008. This week, PICO far East Holdings was named as the contractor responsible for the show set installation, which includes owner finished show set, shop drawings, show props and mechanical equipment installation, special effects installation, show platform fabrication and installation, scenic and show paint, a/v speakers and cameras, theme lighting installation, murals and scenic painting and artists work. The project is expected to be completed in December 2007. This should still put the famous attraction on target for an April 2008 opening.

 

Updates at HKDL Source – Source 1.5 Kicks Off

 

Just to talk about us for a few moments, and to let you know that we haven’t been sitting idly by and letting the news come to us, we’ve started overhauling some of the pages. While even more changes are on the way in the coming weeks, including some of the final bits of our new overlay, a quick look about the site will show you that we’ve already spankified the site by at least 40%. In other words, only a few months after our server move and rehaul, we've finally got most of the bugs worked out of the system and we are proud to officially launch HKDL Source 1.5.

 

• Sections and Banners: One of the things we pride ourselves on is consistency, and we've now finally added colour-coding to each of our major sections. You'll also notice that each of the major portals - News, Guest Info, The Park, The Hotels, Around the Resort, Seasons and Multimedia - have their own unique banners to keep with the style of the site. As always, I hope you will join me in thanking Alex for his tireless efforts in doing all this behind the scenes work, while I get to vent my spleen in public on a (semi) weekly basis!

• New Look Pages: To make things a bit more 'visual', we've done away with the formatting that had loads of text and one or two pictures. Now, all the information is still there but we've shuffled it around to make it a bit more user friendly. Check out the Park and Guest Info pages for just some of the examples of the shiny new pages.

• Multmedia Page: People were having trouble finding our galleries, and we all know that our video section is going to launch soonish. So we present this brand new intro page to our Gallery, and ultimately our audio and video section.

• 10th Anniversary of the HKSAR: Speaking of galleries, a new category has been added for images of the forthcoming Hong Kong-wide celebrations, as mentioned above. There are a handful of images in there now, but stay tuned for updates.

• Attraction Pages and Statistics: People are always asking about wait times; the sorts of attractions in the parks and how many people can fit into a given ride. In addition to some brand new attraction pages - for Dumbo the Flying Elephant; Mad Hatter Tea Cups; Cinderella's Carousel; Orbitron and Stitch Encounter - we've taken the guesswork out and added these to the mix.

Opened	12 September 2005
Where	Fantasyland
Ride Type	Dark Ride
Ideal For	Little Ones and Big Kids
Ride Time	4:00 minutes (approx.)
Capacity	4 people per pot
Loading	Medium
Wait Times	15-30 minutes
FASTPASS	Yes
It's a bit like...	Jungle River Cruise; it's a small world
Thrill Level	Medium
HKDL Source Rating	Pure imaginative fun, just like Pooh

As you can see, these tell you at a glance how long, where and how many people you can ride this attraction with. We've also given our own rating to each attraction, in the hope that somebody thinks our opinions count for something. We certainly hope you enjoy some of these new additions.

 

Speaking of new additions, July is fast approaching and with it brings the First Anniversary of HKDL Source. Mark down July 17 in your diaries, calendars or even on the back of your neck. Our first anniversary hopes to bring you the launch of HKDL Source 2.0 - a more interactive experience, with the addition of an exclusive member's zone; user comments; trip reports; RSS feeds and maybe even a podcast or two. There will also be a competition to mark the occasion, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

 

Remember, as always, if you have any news, photos, trip reports or just a question, feel free to contact us.

 

Current Closures/Refurbishments

 

• Comet Cafe (Tomorrowland) – CLOSED (Unknown): Listed as being closed until further notice, according to the Disney calendar. So no Chinese fast food for anyone! For at least 50 metres anyway…
• The Disneyland Story (Main Street): Appears to be back to housing concept art, but expect more construction soon with the opening of the Animation Academy.
• Fantasyland: No closures in Fantasyland, but there is constant construction going on ‘beyond the berm’ for the forthcoming it’s a small world attraction (Coming April 2008).
• Land appears to be cleared and built upon behind Adventureland and the Promenade for as-yet-undisclosed project. While some contend that this land has always been in this state, we have reports that some construction was seen to be going on in this area. Others still say that this is prep-work for a Downtown Disney style area and the Pirates extension to Adventureland. The HK Building Department reports this as a 'Dangerous Goods Storage Area'. Time will tell.
• Construction work is being carried out near the main gates, allegedly for some new toilets and Cast Member break room.

 

Events & Important Dates

 

If you know of any events that should be listed here, please let us know. 

 

May

• Pirates Overlay (May 4 to June 30): Disney has announced that they will be celebrating the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End in grand style, with pirates taking over Adventureland and the hotels. See here for more details.

 

June

• Tuen Ng Festival (June 19): Also, known as the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a day for patriotic remembrance, eating cakes and dragon boat races. It is yet another Peak Ticket Day.

 

July

 

• Hong Kong SAR Anniversary (July 1): Disney confirms that they wish to celebrate with a series of events to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Hong Kong returning to China as, well as the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region Government on 1st July 2007. Giveaways, special merchandise and yet-to-be announced events will take place.
• Mickey's WaterWorks and Animation Academy (July 14 - August 31): While no official date has been announced as yet, the Hong Kong Tourism Board mentions this range of dates for the attractions. Several sources indicate that the WaterWorks is set for a July 1 opening, although we still have no word on the Animation Academy. However, given the timing of the HK SAR Anniversary for July 1, a mid-July launch seems more probable.
• First Anniversary of HKDL Source (July 17): We turn One in July, and you know we aren’t going to let it slide. There will be street parades; fireworks…well, ok, maybe not. The budget won’t cover that. However, stayed tuned for competitions; more member interactivity and a whole makeover for the site!

September

• Hong Kong Disneyland’s Birthday (September 12): Hong Kong Disneyland turns two. No official word on any celebrations, but given that the First Anniversary was relatively low-key, we can’t imagine any huge events on the horizon. Don’t quote us though.

 

October

• Halloween: Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialise all through October, as Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its second official Halloween. Look for the decorations to go up early October, and then segue into the Christmas/New Year celebrations in November.

 

November/December

• Christmas: From mid-November until New Year's Eve (December 31), Hong Kong Disneyland's Main Street will become a Winter Wonderland, with a tree lighting ceremony; musical events; special meals and the big man himself, Santa.
• Magical New Year and Countdown: Concluding the Christmas festivities, this big event will be a dance party for some; some old-school shindigging for others and an excuse to have fun for all. Count down to midnight in the park, and then go back and drain the hotels of all alcohol.

 

April 2008

• it’s a small world (April 2008): RTHK News reports that the attraction is set to open in April 2008, which is consistent with Disney’s official line of ‘early 2008’.

 

Current Discounts/Promotions

• Annual Passholders: From April 1 to June 30, 2007, this exclusive benefit allows Annual Pass holders to enjoy a soothing Victorian Indulgence Massage (50 minutes) or a relaxing Victorian Timeless Facial (50 minutes) for just HK$699, up to 35% off the standard price. Additional benefits for Premium Passholders, as well as more benefits for all, can be found here.
• Complimentary Deluxe Annual Passes: (May 15 to July 1) If you were born in 1997, you may be entitled to free Deluxe Annual Pass. Valid for for year from date of issue. Full details can be found here.
• Interest Free Installment when Purchasing Annual Passes: Purchase Annual Pass now with a Standard Chartered VISA Card or MANHATTAN VISA Card to enjoy a 12-month interest free installment. Offer Period: 1 December, 2006 – 31 May, 2007. See here for details. 
• Stay and Play for 2 Days: Book a hotel stay and enjoy an extra day at Hong Kong Disneyland when you purchase a one-day ticket! The offer has been extended until 29 September 2007!
• Dining Deal: Book breakfast in advance and receive 30% off. Conditions apply.

 

Park Hours/Schedule/Annual Pass Block-out Days

 

This week and almost of June, park hours will be from 10:00AM to 8:00PM, 9:00 on Friday and Saturdays. The extended hours accommodate the Pirates After Dark shows.

 

Value Annual Passholders will have all weekends blocked to them during June. Additionally, June 19 (Tuen Ng Festival) will be a Peak Ticket Day, blocked to Value Annual Passholders. Deluxe and Premium Annual Passholders get to go crazy, as no dates are blocked to them.

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